Speaking in this evenings Members Debate on National MS Week, Dr Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has welcomed the progress made in NHS Grampian to support MS patients.
She said, “It is important to acknowledge National MS Week, to salute the valuable work done by the MS Society and everyone who gives support to people diagnosed with MS, and to show what we can to help people coping with MS and other disabling neurological conditions.
“The last time I spoke on MS was in 2004, at which time there was very real concern about the postcode lottery faced by neurological patients, including those with MS, in accessing appropriate health care, and the need for a code of national standards of care. So I am pleased that Clinical Standards for Neurological Health Care were published in 2009, and that these are now being implemented by Health Boards. And I welcome Government support for a Neurological Advisory Group, to be led by the Neurological Alliance.
“I checked up with NHS Grampian before the debate, and I’m pleased to say that there have been significant improvements there since 2004. As well as the 4 full time neurologists employed then, there are now another 3 working part time, all experienced in diagnosing and managing patients with MS. The waiting time to see a neurologist has come down from a year to 12 weeks for a routine appointment, and 2-3 weeks if urgent. MS specialist nursing time has almost doubled, with most newly diagnosed patients contacted within 10 working days, and seen within 2-3 weeks. If an appointment is required by an existing patient, this is based on the patient’s needs at the time, for example 5 working days for relapse, 2-4 weeks for continence problems, and otherwise a waiting time of 10 weeks. There is also a rehabilitation consultant in Grampian, with a special interest in MS. So things have improved significantly up there, but there is no room for complacency.
“I note the MS Society’s support for the Scottish Government’s Social Care(Self Directed Support) Bill currently embarking on its Parliamentary progress, and I welcome this, because I agree that people with MS, (and indeed with many other disabling conditions), ought to be able to choose the support that is right for them, at the right time. If we get the legislation right, then SDS should offer that flexibility, and I look forward to working with the MS Society and other interested organisations, as well as patients and carers, as the Bill proceeds through Parliament.”